What is it about?
The study investigates the high prevalence of work-related stress (WRS) among house officers (HOs) in Malaysia, focusing on those who had resigned due to mental health issues. It used a questionnaire to assess stress levels across various domains of work, finding that factors such as autonomy, ready to change, and high demands were the highest stress factors. Most participants were women, with a significant portion married, and a majority had only 1-4 months of experience before resigning. The findings suggest hospitals should improve support, task delegation, and consider HOs' opinions on system changes to enhance their working environment and mental wellbeing
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Why is it important?
This study is important because it highlights the serious issue of work-related stress among medical professionals, specifically house officers in Malaysia, and its impact on mental health leading to resignations. By identifying the main stressors and their prevalence, the research aims to prompt healthcare institutions to adopt strategies to improve work conditions, support mental health, and ultimately retain their workforce, ensuring better healthcare delivery and patient care.
Perspectives
This study underscores a critical issue within the healthcare system, particularly the mental health and wellbeing of medical professionals at the early stages of their careers. It sheds light on the intense pressures among house officers in Malaysia, which is not just a local but a global concern in the medical community. The study’s focus on work-related stress as a leading cause of resignations among these young doctors highlights the need for systemic changes. It calls for a reevaluation of work environments in healthcare settings, advocating for better support structures and policies that prioritize mental health. This could not only improve the quality of life for healthcare professionals but also ensure better patient care by retaining skilled and mentally fit medical staff.
MOHD KHAIRUL IZAMIL ZOLKEFLEY
Universiti Malaysia Pahang
While the study highlights a high prevalence of work-related stress among Malaysian house officers, it also reflects a broader challenge faced by early-career medical professionals globally: the gap between training expectations and real-world clinical demands. The finding that “control” is the dominant stressor resonates with the notion that junior doctors often feel powerless in hierarchical healthcare systems, leading to anxiety, burnout, and even early resignation. From a systemic perspective, interventions should not only target individual coping mechanisms but also structural factors. For instance, flexible shift scheduling, mentorship programs, and participatory decision-making could enhance autonomy and reduce perceived lack of control. Furthermore, integrating mental health support as a standard component of housemanship, rather than an optional service, may help mitigate the high rates of depression and anxiety observed. This study also opens avenues for longitudinal research. Tracking house officers over time could reveal how stress trajectories impact retention, patient care quality, and long-term career satisfaction. Addressing work-related stress early may not only improve the well-being of medical professionals but also strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems.
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Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A preliminary study on the prevalence of work-related stress among house officers in Malaysia, January 2024, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0188286.
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